in particular, we welcome his eminence metropolitan alexis. and one who was not able to be with us today, he joins us with his prayers as the metropolitan of boston. welcome, brothers. whathank you for being here. [applause] let us pray. oh god, our creator, all life is in your hands from conception until death. help us to cherish our children and to reverence the privilege of participating in the gift of bringing human life into the world. may all people live and die with dignity and love, always assisted by our care, concern, and compassion. let's all those who defend the rights of the unborn, the handicapped and the aged. in light in the hearts and minds of do not recognize the sanctity and dignity of each and every moment of life and help them to gain new awareness and respect for these sacred gifts. let freedom be tempered by responsibility, integrity, and morality as we go forth to carry out the mission that has been given to us by christ, our lord. now, i invite the orthodox bishops to intone their song, "memory eternal" praying for nel